Medical updates on Howard, Hamels, Polly, Contreras, Pence, Gload

·First baseman Ryan Howard (ruptured left Achilles) had his stitches removed on Oct. 25 and has progressed to partial weight bearing. He has begun a rehabilitation program in Philadelphia.

·Third baseman Placido Polanco (two sports hernias) had a follow-up exam with Dr. William Meyers on Oct. 26 and is continuing his rehabilitation in Miami.

·Left-hander Cole Hamels had stitches removed from his left elbow (loose bodies) on Oct. 27 and is continuing his rehabilitation program in Philadelphia. He had a follow-up exam for his hernia surgery today with Dr. Ernest Rosato and has been cleared to progress back to his off-season program as tolerated.

·Right fielder Hunter Pence (sports hernia) continues his rehabilitation program in Philadelphia. He will have a follow-up appointment with Dr. Meyers next week.

·Right-hander Jose Contreras (right forearm strain) was seen by Dr. Michael Ciccotti on Oct. 20 and will begin isometric forearm strengthening next week. He is on track to progress to regular strengthening in the beginning of December and initiate throwing at the beginning of January.

·Ross Gload (hip) was evaluated by Dr. Bryan Kelly in New York on Oct. 18. Dr. Kelly did not feel an arthroscopic procedure was warranted at this time. Gload was set up with an off-season rehabilitation program.

Recent Comments

For a player who makes millions of dollars I really can't see Ryan Howard ever being able to hit slow stuff away. If I were a manager Howard would never see a fast ball until he was able to show me he could hit the slow stuff. I've been a Phillie fan since pudden head Jones was my favorite player I have lost my faith in Howard.